Soaring South: Tips for Canadians Buying Property in Southwest Florida

You have decided to say farewell to blustery Canadian winters and trade in those snowy drives in whiteout conditions for beautiful white sandy beaches. Congratulations! You are among thousands of Canadians who enjoy the best of both worlds and are ready to invest in how you spend your time. 

Understandably, it can also be very daunting. There are many moving parts when it comes to buying property in the United States, not to mention other logistics to make it all happen. But don't let that discourage you! With the right team by your side, you can make your snowbird dreams a reality! Here are some tips for Snowbirds who'd like to purchase in Southwest Florida:

CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION

If you want to purchase in Southwest Florida, you are in luck because there are so many different cities and communities to choose from to fit every budget and every lifestyle! Visit our Communities Page for an in-depth look at some of Southwest Florida's beautiful neighborhoods. 

The key to finding the best home in Florida is to work with a Professional, Loving, Local Realtor^® who specializes in helping Canadian snowbirds find their ideal Southwest Florida home. Faris Team has local agents in Canada and Florida who can help you through the entire process from start to finish. We can help you navigate the rules and regulations of purchasing property in the States and help you come up with a plan that works with your unique needs. Book an appointment with us today to get started!

HOW TO GET THERE

Many people often forget about this step - how do you get from your home in Canada to your sunny Southwest Florida destination each month? You have a couple of options; each has its pros and cons: 

Driving There

This option is the most popular - many snowbirds will back up their cars and enjoy a lovely fall road trip on their way to paradise. Depending on the cost of gas, this is often more economical than flying down, and it allows you the convenience of having your vehicle with you for the winter. 

Flying

Flying is another option that many snowbirds opt for, particularly if they aren't a fan of driving for prolonged periods of time. It can also be combined with driving. For example, some snowbirds will take their vehicles down to Southwest Florida but will fly back for holidays like Christmas, for example, and then simply drive back home come springtime. Flying using comes with a higher price tag, but many snowbirds can save by using their points. Plus, it saves valuable time that you could be spending on the beach! 

LEGAL & IMMIGRATION 

There are other legal factors to consider when you decide to become a Canadian snowbird. For example, you will want to ensure you thoroughly understand tax rules, immigration, and health coverage. There is a lot of inaccurate or contradictory information online, so it's best to speak with an expert to ensure your questions are answered and you have everything you need. 

Traveling with Pets?

If you plan to bring your pets to Southwest Florida, you will also want to familiarize yourself with the rules, regulations and requirements. Otherwise, you may face a tremendous headache at the border or even be turned away. Your pets must be healthy and up-to-date on their shots and vaccinations and may need to be examined. You will want to be familiar with the USDA import laws when it comes to pets, and likewise, when you return to Canada, you will want to familiarize yourself with those rules as well. 

INSURANCE

Travel insurance is crucial for snowbirds, as the cost of a medical emergency can be catastrophic without coverage. Finding the right insurance for your unique needs means getting in touch with an insurance provider who specializes in coverage for Canadian snowbirds traveling to the United States. 

In addition, you will want to ensure that you have sufficient home insurance that can account for all weather conditions. 

PLANNING THE TRIP

A lot of planning goes into travel, but the better prepared you are for the trip, the more smooth the travel process will be. The good news is that after you have made the trip a few times, you will become very familiar with the process. The goal is to enjoy yourself as much as possible, so make sure to plan and do your due diligence before you pile into your cars. 

ENLIST THE HELP OF EXPERTS

You don't have to do this all alone. It can seem overwhelming if you are a first-time snowbird, but plenty of tools and resources can help get you everything you need to enjoy your beautiful winter paradise. All you need is the right team by your side! 

Our team of experts can help you through the entire process. We have Realtors^® in Ontario and Southwest Florida that will ensure you find your perfect slice of paradise and have everything you need to make the move happen! 

Download our Canadian Buyers Guide here or book an appointment with us to discuss your unique needs, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have! Your Best Experience is just one click away! 

Thinking of buying in Florida? Our Professional, Loving, Local Realtors^® will go full out for you^®.

Call us today at 1-239-241-5646 or send us an email to book an appointment. 

There's absolutely NO OBLIGATION. Consultations with our team of experts are FREE.